Wed Feb 19 18:18:16 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan’s Zaman Injured in Champions Trophy Opener
**KARACHI, PAKISTAN –** Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign got off to a shaky start on Wednesday with star batsman Fakhar Zaman suffering a suspected muscular sprain during the opening match against New Zealand. Zaman, who was recalled to the ODI squad after Saim Ayub’s recent ankle fracture, injured himself while fielding early in the game. He left the field twice, casting a pall over Pakistan’s hopes despite a pre-match boost from the return of fit fast bowler Haris Rauf.
The injury occurred when Zaman chased a ball driven by New Zealand opener Will Young. While successfully relaying the ball, Zaman immediately signaled distress and was assisted off the field by the team physio. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Zaman is undergoing assessment and further updates will be given in due course.
New Zealand also had fitness concerns, with all-rounder Rachin Ravindra ruled out after a head injury sustained in a recent tri-series match. Despite training without showing concussion symptoms, the BlackCaps opted for caution.
The match marked a historic return of ICC tournament cricket to Pakistan for the first time since 1996. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and elected to field first in Karachi.
First Piper 